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The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare of smallholder tea farmers through strategic partnerships, aiming to address critical issues such as education, health, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. This was highlighted during a two-day Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) meeting held in Nairobi, where stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to improve conditions in the tea sector.
Sudi Matara, General Manager and Executive Trustee of the KTDA Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving positive change. “KTDA Foundation is going beyond quality tea by focusing on improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods through innovative policies and impact-driven financing, as well as collaborating with partners to strengthen resilience to climate change, gender inequality, limited access to social security, and other challenges in the tea sector,” said Sudi.
The KTDA Foundation, through its partnerships, aims to address these multi-faceted challenges by implementing data-driven solutions. By harnessing data, the Foundation can target its efforts more effectively, ensuring that initiatives are intentional and impactful. This approach is designed to create a sustainable future for smallholder farmers, helping them navigate issues such as unpredictable climate patterns, limited access to resources, and market constraints.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various key organizations, including Majani Insurance Brokers Ltd, Ketepa Ltd, Tea Machinery and Engineering Company Limited, and the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development. Among those present was Enos Njeru, the National Chairman of KTDA, who has been a vocal advocate for initiatives aimed at strengthening the tea value chain. The presence of Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary at the Tea Board of Kenya, further underscored the government’s support for the sector.
A significant part of the discussion centered around sustainable practices and how smallholder farmers can be equipped to adapt to climate change. These include promoting eco-friendly farming techniques, improving water management, and providing access to clean energy solutions. There were also discussions on enhancing financial literacy among farmers to empower them economically and ensuring that they can access social security benefits, which are often lacking in rural areas.
KTDA Foundation’s initiative also focuses on gender equality, recognizing that women play a crucial role in tea farming. By offering training programs and resources, the Foundation aims to empower women farmers and help close the gender gap within the sector.
The Ethical Tea Partnership meeting highlighted that while Kenya remains a global leader in producing high-quality teas, there is still much to be done to uplift the smallholder farmers who are the backbone of this industry. Through ongoing collaboration, KTDA Foundation hopes to build a stronger, more resilient tea sector that can withstand global market changes while ensuring that farmers’ welfare remains a top priority.
With ongoing efforts from stakeholders and a continued focus on sustainable practices, the future of smallholder tea farming in Kenya looks promising. The Foundation’s initiatives serve as a model for how collective action can lead to significant improvements, not only in production but in the overall well-being of the farming communities.
